Police Alert: Theft from Motor Vehicles

The Boston Police have issued a special alert regarding a dramatic increase in the number of thefts of property from motor vehicles. The North End/Waterfront is in Area A-1 which has experienced a 38% increase in theft. The police consider this a preventable crime, primarily caused by owners leaving valuables in sight (i.e., GPS, laptops, etc.).

COMMUNITY ALERT

Boston Police Report Increase in Theft from Motor Vehicles

BPD Offers Prevention Tips for Motor Vehicle Break-ins

From January 1, 2009 to July 1, 2009, statistics indicate that 5 out of 12 Boston Police Districts are reporting an increase in the number of Larceny from a Motor Vehicle. Seven districts have reported a decrease in the number of thefts from motor vehicles. This has resulted in a 6% increase of motor vehicle break-ins citywide. District D4 is experiencing the largest increase with a 52% increase.

Boston Police are increasing patrols to identified areas of concern. To address this issue, Boston Police Districts Commanders are also organizing sting operations utilizing decoy vehicles. In addition, the Boston Police ask community members to be mindful of safety tips listed below.

As stated above, five districts reported an increase in the number of thefts from motor vehicles. Citywide Larceny from Motor Vehicle Year To Date from January 1, 2009 – July 1, 2009 is as follows:

Boston Police reports indicate that the most common items stolen were left in sight and include: GPS Devices, lap tops, US currency (left on the dashboard or in an ash tray), stereos and stereo face plates, electronic devises (cell phones, ipods, blackberry’s and chargers), bags, purses and briefcases.

The Boston Police would like to take this opportunity to remind residents and visitors to our City that motor vehicle breaks are among the most easily preventable of crimes. They are typically crimes of opportunity, committed by thieves who look for valuables left unattended. Taking a few simple steps can often discourage these thieves. Here’s how you can protect yourself against motor vehicle breaks.

• DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR WHERE OTHERS CAN SEE THEM. Valuable items, such as your laptop, iPod, etc. should never be left in the front or back seat of your vehicle. Always take your valuables with you, or move them into the trunk.

• Lock your doors and windows. Even if your window is only slightly open, it makes your car an easier target for thieves. A thief will insert a wire into a slightly open window to pop up the door lock.

• Replace your standard door lock buttons with tapered ones. Tapered door lock buttons make it more difficult for a thief to hook a wire or device onto the door lock button to pop it open.

• Invest in an anti-theft device. When you buy a new or used car, checking to see if it has an anti-theft device is as important as checking the engine. If there isn’t one, you should have one installed.

• If you observe any unusual activity or observe a car theft or a break-in, call 911.